The wyvern was one of the first monsters introduced in the earliest edition of the game, in the Dungeons & Dragons "white box" set (1974), where they were described as smaller relatives of dragons with a poisonous sting in their tails.[2]

This edition of the D&D game included its own version of the wyvern, in the Dungeons & Dragons Expert Set (1981 & 1983).[4][5] The wyvern was also later featured in the Dungeons & Dragons Game set (1991), the Dungeons & Dragons Rules Cyclopedia (1991),[6] and the Classic Dungeons & Dragons Game set (1994).

Despite supposedly being stupid, Wyverns are rather deadly and cunning in combat. They prefer to always be in flight, and take any opportunity to take flight if not doing so already. Upon the ground, Wyverns attack with their teeth, and with their deadly tail stingers (which have the power to kill instantly). If flying, Wyverns can also use their teeth and stingers, but prefer to swoop down, and slash at prey with their claws, or even grab them, carry them up into the air, and drop them. Wyverns are careful to be silent when flying, and to keep their shadow unseen. This gives them the benefit of stealth if the foes are unaware of the creature. Wyverns eat the remains of those they kill, and take their valuables if they are treasure-hoarding wyverns.

Wyverns resemble true dragons, but are much smaller and lack the forelegs of their larger kin. They have sharp talons, and crocodile-like heads with red or orange eyes. Located in their long, flexible tails are deadly, poisonous scorpion stingers. They also have very large wings. Unlike true dragons, wyverns do not have breath weapons.

Wyverns are usually solitary, living by themselves or with a mate and/or young, but occasionally gather together into flocks in order to hunt if game is sparse, or if they are serving a true dragon and need to cooperate for some sinister purpose. Though incredibly aggressive and stupid, only young wyverns attack their own kind, and that is usually to show dominance or establish territory. Older wyverns, despite their beastly nature, solve disputes, fights and arguments in non-violent, unknown ways. Some wyverns do have the treasure hoarding habits of true dragons, and accumulate such wealth in their lairs, while other wyverns don't. Wyverns also sometimes work with and serve dominating evil true dragons, for purposes unknown. Wyverns can speak both Common and Draconic.